NAIROBI — President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the pardon of 3,908 inmates on June 1, describing the act as a national duty ahead of the August 9 general elections. The move targeted petty offenders serving less than three months in correctional facilities.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens, Kenyatta cited recommendations from the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee to exercise his constitutional authority. "This pardon offers a second chance to those incarcerated for minor offenses," he stated, emphasizing legal compliance with probation reports.
The president directed authorities to complete sentence commutations by the following week, urging recipients to "become change-makers" and "restore faith in the justice system." His remarks included direct calls for civic responsibility, stating, "Reciprocate the generosity of your motherland through this act of mercy with a high sense of civic duty and service to your country."